As we snow birds seem to say quite a bit in the early months of the year and now mid-survival of the April blizzard 2018, “Why do we live in Minnesota?” Family. My English, Norwegian and German ancestors, yes, decided that this part of the United States was a place to set down new roots. I’ve wondered, er grumbled, many a time, what was so enticing about this area? No sea, no mountains – of significance, just two seasons: Mosquito and Freezing Snow. Why, why, why? Especially when the Florida Keys exist? My husband, Rick, and I have visited the…

What do you get when you’re on vacation and you bring yourself, one of your best friends, and a couple of your crazy ideas from Pinterest, into an art studio? A whole lot a fun and a tangible souvenir of a fabulous trip. My husband and I vacationed in the Florida Keys in February 2016 with our friends, Greg and Mary. The four of us did many things people do while at a vacation rental in Marathon – relaxed, read, sunbathed, ate, (highly recommend for lunch the Shrimp ‘Po Boy at Brutus Seafood and Market), rented a boat, fished and gawked…

Have you ever wondered why fish school and quickly shift all together in another direction? The last week of February 2012 found me experiencing this year’s Leap Day in the Florida Keys. Yes, it was splendid. Our base was a rented home in Marathon. For four days we rented a Boston Whaler-looking boat and proceeded nine miles into the Gulf of Mexico and anchored around a sunken boat where fish were known to school. To lure the fish, my husband Rick put out what is called “chum.” We waited and soon little fish called pinfish came for the chum. They…